title: Pediatric flexible flatfoot; clinical aspects and algorithmic approach.
abstract: Flatfoot constitutes the major cause of clinic visits for pediatric foot problems. The reported prevalence of flatfoot varies widely due to numerous factors. It can be divided into flexible and rigid flatfoot. Diagnosis and management of pediatric flatfoot has long been the matter of controversy. Common assessment tools include visual inspection, anthropometric values, footprint parameters and radiographic evaluation. Most flexible flatfeet are physiologic, asymptomatic, and require no treatment. Otherwise, the physician should treat symptomatic flexible flatfeet. Initial treatment options include activity modification, proper shoe and orthoses, exercises and medication. Furthermore, comorbidities such as obesity and ligamenous laxity should be identified and managed, if applicable. When all nonsurgical treatment options faile, surgery can be considered. Our purpose in this article is to present a clinical algorithmic approach to pediatric flatfoot.
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Sports & Exercise Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Farzin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Halabchi
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mazaheri
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mirshahi
authors.forename: Ladan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Abbasian
keywords: Algorithm; Children; Exercise; Flatfoot; Hyperpronation; Orthosis; Pes planus